ASRC is joining the countless others who are mourning the loss of Atqasuk resident Candace Itta, who had served on the board of directors for the past 16 years. The 52-year old passed away late last night at the Alaska Native Medical Center in Anchorage, surrounded by friends and family.

"The news came as quite a shock", said Rex Rock Sr., President and CEO of Arctic Slope Regional Corporation. "She was a sweet, caring person who always thought of others first and spoke directly from her heart. We will miss her."

Jacob Adams Sr., current board chairman, received the news overnight that Candace had lost her short battle with cancer. "I enjoyed working with her on a variety of issues, but she was most passionate about making sure our shareholders had jobs. She was always involved in that dialogue."

The ASRC board of directors is currently meeting in Anchorage. Candace Leavitt was born in Barrow, Alaska, and moved to Atqasuk after marrying her husband, Thomas Itta, Jr. She was first elected to the ASRC board of directors in 1994.

She leaves behind her husband, as well as 7 children and 8 grandchildren. Details surrounding funeral services are still being finalized.

ASRC would like to extend its condolences to the extended Itta family during this difficult time.

About ASRCArctic Slope Regional Corporation is owned by and represents the business interests of the Arctic Slope Iñupiat. Since opening enrollment in 1989 to Alaska Natives born after 1971, the corporation's shareholder base has nearly tripled, growing from the 3,700 original enrollees to around 11,000 today. Corporate headquarters are based in Barrow, Alaska, with administrative and subsidiary offices located in Anchorage and throughout the United States. ASRC, along with its family of companies, is the largest Alaskan-owned company, employing approximately 10,000 people worldwide.